International development cooperation is related with IR, foreign affairs, international organizations, sustainable development, ODA, etc, It has two kinds : cooperation among developed countries and development assistance to developing countries. Shale gas development is an example of cooperation among developed countries.
Shale gas is natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations. Shale gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States since the start of this century, and interest has spread to potential gas shale in the rest of the world. In 2000, shale gas provided only 1% of U.S. natural gas production; by 2010 it was over 20% and the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration predicts that by 2035, 46% of the United States' natural gas supply will come from shale gas.
Some analysts expect that shale gas will greatly expand worldwide energy supply. China is estimated to have the world's largest shale gas reserves. Increased shale gas production in the US and Canada could help prevent Russia and Persian Gulf countries from dictating higher prices for the gas which they export to European countries.